Edward II AD 1307-1327 Silver Penny Bury St Edmunds

Edward II AD 1307-1327 Silver Penny

Long Cross type

Class 12b, crown with diamond-shaped ornaments

Bury St Edmunds

S1458a

18mm, 1.23g

 

 

Unlike his father Edward II was not a warrior and was most famously defeated by Robert the Bruce at the Battle of Bannockburn in AD 1314. Edward had been lined up to marry Magaret of Norway, heir to the Scottish throne upon the death of Alexander III but she died in Orkney before reaching Scotland. He was then lined up to marry a French princess but this foundered when the French refused to release ownership of a number of fortresses in Gascony.
Shortly before he became king Edward II became close to Piers Gaveston who was the son of one of the king’s knights. When Edward became king Piers Gaveston was created Earl of Cornwall. The following year Edward married Isabella of France leaving Gaveston in charge when he travelled to France for his wedding. Growing opposition to Gaveston resulted he him eventually being sent into exile. When Edward recalled him the barons rebelled and Gaveston was executed.
Edward’s disastrous campaign in Scotland where he was defeated by Robert the Bruce was followed by a famine in England. The Scots also invaded the north of England. Edward became increasingly unpopular and even his wife Isabella deserted and fled to France. Gathering forces she returned to England in AD 1326. Edward’s authority collapsed and after a brief campaign he agreed to abdicate in favour of his son, Edward III. Imprisoned in Berkeley Castle Edward was probably murdered.